Barry Wilkinson (British, B. 1923) "Monaco -- 1929 Bugatti Type 35B" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting was published on the Fleetwood Europa Cover for the Monaco 3,00 Europa stamp issued May 10, 1984.

The idea of a "Grand Prix" was introduced by the French in 1906. It was to become the most prestigious form of motor racing ever devised. With a formally laid-out course and spectators restricted in enclosures, the Grand Prix was unique in that it tested cars on ordinary roads, avoiding artificially constructed track. In 1929, Antony Noghes of the Soci?t? des Bains de Mer of Monaco joined with the Automobile Club de Monaco to found the Monaco Grand Prix -- the most durable and romantic of all Grand Prix events. The three kilometer circuit was the first "round-the-houses" route. And the star of that race was none other than the Bugatti Type 35B. Created by Ettore Bugatti -- said to be one of the greatest makers of racing cars ever -- the Type 35B was an elegant, finely proportioned vehicle. Its chassis was called "a masterpiece of design, the depth swelling out from the delicate front spring supports to meet the varying stresses, then tapering down again at the rear, while it conforms to the body shape." Inside, the 35's were powered by the Bugatti straight eight single overhead camshaft engine while twin carburetors fed the angular powerpack. The artwork depicts a recreation of the first Monaco Grand Prix, won by W. Grover Williams driving a Type 35B Bugatti. The car -- with its pointed tail and familiar horseshoe radiator -- was destined to become the most prolific race winner of the 1924-1939 era.

Image Size: 10.75 x 9 in.
Overall Size: 13 x 11.5 in.
Unframed.
(B08907)

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13 x 11.5 in